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Autism and Sensory Processing

Event summary

Date

Monday 1 Apr 2019

Start Time

15:00

End Time

17:00

Scoil Mhuire Barntown National School,
Wexford,
Wexford

Closed

Autism and Sensory Processing
Sensory processing generally refers to the ability of an individual to register sensory information, make sense of that information, and to respond to it. This is a complex and fluid process involving all the sensory systems (auditory, gustatory, visual, olfactory, tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular). When sensory processing is working well, an individual’s responses to sensory information are positive and support interaction. However, sensory processing difficulties are quite prevalent in the profiles of children with autism and can affect every aspect of life and development.

This session examines the sensory processing difficulties frequently associated with autism and will demonstrate how such difficulties impact on learning, play, social interactions and behaviour in the Primary School environment.
Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
• Develop a basic understanding of the sensory difficulties in autism.
• Understand how sensory difficulties can affect the child’s experience in school and in the classroom.
• Understand how sensory difficulties can influence the child’s participation in the classroom.
• Develop some simple strategies to alleviate sensory difficulties.
Course Overview / Content
• Sensory issues in autism.
• How sensory issues can present in a child with autism.
• How sensory difficulties can affect the child’s experience in school and in the classroom.
• Some strategies that can be individualised.

Location

Kate Cullen

Kate Cullen is an Autism Specialist Occupational Therapist for children and young people. She has Postgraduate qualifications in Sensory Integration, including SIPT registration. Kate currently works within autism diagnostics in the Belfast HSC Trust. She is a tutor and assessor for the graduate Certificate in Autism Studies course delivered in partnership with Middletown Centre for Autism and Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. Kate previously worked as an Occupational Therapist for Middletown Centre for Autism and in Special Schools with children and young people with physical disabilities, developmental disorders and autism, aged 3-19 years, providing assessment, intervention within trans-disciplinary and multiagency teams. She has experience writing and delivering training on autism related topics to parents, professionals, undergraduate and postgraduate students. She has delivered programmes in schools and homes addressing difficulties in engaging in personal care, life skills, leisure, school and work as result of motor coordination, sensory processing, sensory motor and perception for children and young people with autism. She has training in a variety of therapeutic approaches